PRODUCT OF THE WEEK: Epiq Matchstiq Z4 SDR platform for edge applications like small UsX and counter-UsX

This week’s product, the Epiq Solutions Matchstiq Z4, is a software-defined radio (SDR) and signal-processing platform suited for small-form-factor applications with stringent size, weight, and power (SWaP) requirements for applications like small UxS (uncrewed) payloads, jamming/electronic attack, and counter-UxS, among other mission critical systems. The SDR builds on Epiq’s Matchstiq Z2 and Z3u models, which are valued for their small size, weight, and power consumption (SWaP) combined with on-board processing to enable self-contained signal acquisition without the need for an external host.

The Matchstiq Z4 can be battery-operated from an external 9 - 28 Vdc supply, and the integrated system controller enables different power modes, drawing as little as 72 mW, up to full system operation consuming only 10-20 W.

With length and width similar to a large smartphone, the Z4 can be deployed in handheld, manpack, or UxS scenarios. It has 4 RF ports that can be flexibly assigned as transmit or receive, independent or coherent, and also provides enhanced RF performance.

It also has a large AMD Zinq Ultrascale+ MPSoC, and auxiliary functionality like a GPS disciplined oscillator and IMU. In addition, the Z4 introduces two new capabilities for an Epiq product:

an embedded system controller that can take the Z4 in and out of low-power modes, extending system battery life, and
two internal M.2 2280 sites that provide a modular platform capability to the product.

Additional Features

Small size: 6.0" x 3.5" x 1.14"
Low weight: 1.2 lbs (.55 kg)
Integrated system controller and real-time clock (RTC) enabling time, GPS geolocation, or GPIO-based wakeup from low power mode
4 RF ports dynamically assignable to transmit or receive
RF channel bandwidth: Up to 50 MHz/channel
Frequency range: 10 MHz to 6 GHz
Maximum sample rate: 61.44 MS/sec
Environmental options:
- Storage: -40° to 85° C
- Operation: -40° to 70° C